Pea Salad - I didn't think I'd like it either!

I remember well when my Mom told me about this recipe for pea salad. We were on the phone discussing recipes for the family cookbook I was pulling together as a gift for our family members. My immediate thoughts:

"That. Sounds. Disgusting. Peas, hard-boiled egg, pimento, cheddar cheese, and a mayo-based dressing? All together?? Who thinks of this stuff? I mean, seriously, were they cleaning out the refrigerator or something??? And she wants to include this recipe in the family cookbook? I don't even like peas!"

But it's one of my Dad's favorites. So ... reluctantly on my part ..., into the family cookbook it went.

That didn't mean I had to try it, though!

Well, not until I set the personal goal of {eventually} cooking every recipe in our family cookbook ... ya know, kind of like Julie cooks through every recipe in Julia Child's cookbook in the movie Julie and Julia. Here's our family cookbook ... I'm slowly-but-surely cooking my way through it:

(Sidenote: I worked with The Great Family Cookbook Project to publish it. If you're ever considering creating a family cookbook of your own, I highly recommend them... they were wonderful to work with.)

So, having faith in my Mom's culinary taste, I took the plunge to try out this recipe when I was having some friends over.

Generally, my friends know that when they come to my house, they're going to get some truly-Tracey-tried-and-true food ... along with an experiment or two! And on this given day, Pea Salad was my experiment.

I never fill a guest menu with experimental dishes, but I pretty much always take the opportunity of having friends over to try out at least one new-to-me dish. And I typically make the experimental dish be a side, or a dessert when I'm offering a selection of desserts. Worst case - when I give it a taste test, I can just choose not to serve the dish if it disappoints!

Well, guess what. I absolutely loved the pea salad.

I know, I know ... I should have never doubted my Mother. At 40'ish years old, you'd think I would have learned that by now.

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I've make a similar salad and I always have to convince people to trust me and just try it. They always like it once they do! It really is a great combination of flavors. Plus, shouldn't you always trust your mom? :)

You know the first time I had a pea salad I was NOT looking forward to it, either. I was at a family function with my boyfriends' family, though, so I was forced. It was actually pretty good! I'm not a huge pea fan, but if I have to eat them I'd rather eat them in a salad like this. I think we had crumpled bacon in ours, you should try it!

My family has always served a similar pea salad at Thanksgiving and Christmas. And now it's a favorite at my in-law's holidays too. In fact, I don't think they'd allow me in the door if I forgot to bring it.

I would certainly think that would work. It'll probably give just a bit different 'tang' to it ... you know what I mean? ... but if you're used to substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, then I would think your taste buds are already accustomed to that flavor difference. I say give it a try!

I make a.similar pea salad it uses green giant canned.peas ( only) diced boiled eggs a dash of salt,pepper,granulated garlic an mayo to bring it all together how much depends.on how many people your making it for and your taste

I have never even heard of pea salad, but now I can't wait to try it! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!

This dish was always on my grandmother's table. I never tried it when I was younger but it's looking every yummy right now! Thanks so much for the memories and for inspiring me to try something new! Pinning!

LOL, I use to think the same thing about Pea Salads! But once I tried them I loved them! I've never put pickle relish in a pea salad though so I'm going to try your version. It looks delicious! I've used small cubes of cheddar cheese and I some times add shredded or chopped imitation crab meat...delicious also!

Is your cookbook for sale? I have printed and used most of your recipes and they are just awesome, so delicious. But would like to purchase this cookbook you have shown of the family favorites.Elizabethelizabedu3@aol.com

You're so sweet, Elizabeth! Thank you so very much for your kind words ... they made me smile. :-) Unfortunately, no, the family cookbook is not for sale. But perhaps someday I'll do a version that is. Thank you for being a reader of The Kitchen is My Playground!

I love pea salad but I think it is much like making potato salad . Every family or cook seems to have a bit different version. Yours is pretty much a a basic guideline and how I make mine but I do use mayo as I do not like Miracle Whip. Bacon bits is a great addition.

I love your comments. I read and appreciate each and every one. Thank you so much for visiting The Kitchen is My Playground! {NOTE: Captcha word verification is on to turn away the 'spambots' ... I apologize for the commenting inconvenience.}

About Me

Hi! I'm Tracey, & I'm having fun with home cooking, one recipe at a time! A former businesswoman & 1st-grade teacher turned full-time food blogger & Mom, I love my latest career best. Join in the fun as I share tried-&-true recipes for the everyday home cook.